Page 95 of Allegiant

We can’t be.

God, how I wish that weren’t true.

Samson pulls me into his side once more, his lips pressing against my temple. “Good, because I like seeing you in them.”

We just stand like that, my hand lifting to caress his chest, his stroking my lower back. When the girl behind the counter appears with my farro bowl, Samson goes in to grab it before we head back to the car, his hand on the small of my back.

I wouldn’t normally want a man to do this, to guide me around like I can’t make decisions for myself. But he’s not doing it because he thinks I’m less than, that I’m weak. No, he’s doing it because he cares about me, in his own gruff way. He’s protecting me.

I like it. God help me, but I do.

I eat the soggy birdseed in the passenger seat, watching him side-eye me as I exclaim over how good it is. I even offer him a forkful, but he just turns his nose up in disgust.

Cute, dangerous, adorable grump.

I finish my food and take a long drink from my water bottle. “So, where are we going?”

“The beach.”

I light up. “Oh, I love the beach. It’s so fun. But there will be lots of people there. Especially since it’s the beginning of the weekend.”

“We have our own private beach. No one allowed.”

“Ohhh. I didn’t know that was really a thing. That’s exciting.” All my tiredness has evaporated. I’m tempted to put it down to the food, but really, I think it’s just Samson—the thought of being alone with him.

Samson rubs a hand over his head. “Is it? I hate the fucking beach, but it’s supposed to be the best place to see the meteor shower tonight.”

I gasp, turning toward him. “Is that tonight? I completely forgot.”

“Yeah. Had it in my calendar. And Cade wouldn’t stop reminding me. They better not fucking be there either. I called dibs.”

“Oh, well, if they are, it’ll be fine. We can all share a private beach.”

“I’m not sharing anything with them. I just want a minute alone with you.”

The way he says that has me biting my bottom lip, my heart fluttering in my chest. “I wouldn’t mind a minute alone either. It has been a little chaotic, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, between my brothers, their partners, and fucking Larry…not to mention Nugget.”

Nugget has been a little bit of a pain, but he’s so cute he gets away with it. Mostly. “Listen, Nugget is…he’s still a baby. He’s supposed to calm down…eventually.”

He eyes me in disbelief. To be honest, I don’t believe it either. “Either way, I just want a minute to sit with you. Alone.”

“Under the stars. So romantic.”

He doesn’t argue with that, which has my heart racing faster. When he steps out of the car, my excitement doesn’t allow me to wait for him to open the door for me, so I bound out, twirling around to the trunk, watching as he pulls out two large blankets. “You planned this?”

“I planned it while you were rehearsing. Just happened to have blankets in the back of my car…” He stares down at them. “For emergencies.”

What a thoughtful man. Just the kind of person you want there when you break down. He could keep you warm while probably fixing your car. Don’t know if he’s good at that kind of thing, but it feels like he would be. He’s certainly good with his hands. “Smart.”

“Come on. It’s down this path.” He slams the trunk shut and guides me toward a long, sandy path.

“So, how do you keep people off your private beach?”

“Guns. And threats of death.”

I laugh loudly, and he smirks over at me but doesn’t deny it. I don’t ask about the real way either, not wanting anything to kill this romantic moment. So I just let him lead the way down the trail until we’re finally there, the loud waves hitting the shore almost hypnotically.